CHARITY shops rely on the good will of the public in their fundraising efforts.

Spencer Ramage (8) who lives in Calderbank with mum Karen and sister Nicole, knows better than most the crucial part they can play in some people’s lives.

Spencer paid a visit to the Sense Scotland shop in Graham Street, Airdrie, for their official opening and donated DVDs to be put up for sale and to encourage others to do the same.

Spencer is autistic and can find communication and mixing with other people difficult and overwhelming. He receives assistance from Sense Scotland’s family support service and decided to give something back to the charity organisation by donating the items to the store.

The service provide support to more than 30 kids and young people, and give parents some respite while offering the youngsters the opportunity to access the wider community.

Mum Karen explained: “Spencer has four hours support a week and he goes to a youth club.

“Four hours doesn’t sound like a lot but it’s a lifeline for us, we wouldn’t be able to live otherwise as we wouldn’t be able to go anywhere.

“I’ve been on radio and been to the Scottish Parliament to highlight there is little or no help for parents of kids with autism.

“Now, when he gets out, he is meeting new people and new challenges.”

Spencer who attends Castlehill Primary in Wishaw admitted to the Advertiser that he had outgrown the items he donated. “I kind of play a lot of games now on my Nintendo DS,” he said, “so I don’t watch these DVDs anymore.”

Nicola Collins, manager of North Lanarkshire Family Support Services, has witnessed the difference in Spencer since he started attending the club.

She said: “I was really amazed at how well he dealt with interacting with other young people.

“He played ping pong with a young boy in a wheelchair, it was really nice to see him doing that.”

Young people can be referred to the family support service either through social work or, if they receive direct payment and manage their own budget, they can be self -referred.

Money raised at the Airdrie store goes to support young people like Spencer so donations are welcome direct to the shop.